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The Falcons have released their depth chart for Sunday’s season finale against the Saints
The Atlanta Falcons (7-9) have released their final depth chart of the season ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints (8-8). Taylor Heinicke is still listed as the starting quarterback, however, his status for Week 18 remains up in the air.
If Heinicke can’t play, Desmond Ridder will get the start for Atlanta on Sunday. Check out the team’s updated depth chart heading into Week 18 below.
Falcons head coach Arthur Smith told reporters that Heinicke plans to do “everything he can” to play against the Saints in Week 18.
The Atlanta Falcons have an important NFC South matchup coming up in Week 18, but quarterback Taylor Heincike’s status appears to be up in the air.
Heinicke was benched by head coach Arthur Smith late in Sunday’s loss to the Bears due to an ankle injury. On Monday, Smith told team reporters that Heinicke planned to do “everything he can” to play against the New Orleans Saints this weekend.
Arthur Smith said Taylor Heinicke is going to do "everything he can" to play Sunday, they'll have to monitor his ankle injury throughout the week, though.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) January 1, 2024
Heinicke had a rough day in Week 17, tossing three interceptions and completing just 10 of 29 pass attempts. The veteran QB did account for two touchdowns, but the team was behind the eight-ball for most of the afternoon.
If Heinicke can’t play in the season finale, second-year QB Desmond Ridder would get the start. Ridder has passed for 2,545 yards, 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season.
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Falcons fans were ready to leave head coach Arthur Smith in 2023 following 37-17 loss to Bears on New Year’s Eve
The Atlanta Falcons have underachieved all season long, but somehow it hasn’t seemed to matter. Despite suffering a 37-17 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday, the Falcons caught a break as the Buccaneers also lost to the Saints.
At 7-9, Atlanta is still alive in the NFC South race with one week left to play. However, the chance for a playoff berth isn’t quite as appealing to fans since it would likely mean the return of head coach Arthur Smith for a fourth season.
Falcons fans on Twitter were ready to leave Smith in 2023 following Sunday’s 37-17 loss to the Bears on New Year’s Eve.
Falcons vs. Bears: Best photos from Week 17 matchup in Chicago
The Atlanta Falcons (7-8) are attempting to secure their eighth win of the season against the Chicago Bears (6-9) on Sunday. As both NFC squads battle for an unlikely postseason spot, check out the best photos from Week 17 below.
The Commanders hung tough with the 49ers last season until they pulled away in the second half.
“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.
San Francisco 37, Washington 20 – Week 16, Dec. 24, 2022
Brock Purdy completed 15 of 22 passes for 234 yards and two touchdowns as the Commanders fell to the San Francisco 49ers 37-20 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Entering the game with a 7-6-1, the Commanders playing for a playoff berth, went toe-to-toe with the 49ers, as the game was tied 7-7 at the half. The Commanders had missed a huge opportunity in the second quarter when inside the 5, they ran four plays but could not score.
Purdy completed touchdown passes of 34 and 33 yards to George Kittle, extending the 49ers lead to 21-7.
But Washington starter Taylor Heinicke answered with a 3-yard scoring pass to Terry McLaurin with 2:46 remaining in the third quarter, narrowing the deficit to 21-14.
The 49ers defense then shut down the Commanders offense, resulting in three consecutive possessions resulting in Robbie Gould field goals, extending the 49ers’ lead to 30-14.
Ron Rivera benched Heinicke and turned to Carson Wentz. Wentz responded, completing 12 of 16 passes for 123 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown pass to Curtis Samuel.
As a result of Wentz playing well, Rivera named Wentz the starter for the next week against the Browns, but Wentz played poorly; Washington lost at home to the Browns and was officially eliminated from the 2022 playoff race.
Falcons QB Taylor Heinicke was limited for a 2nd straight practice due to an ankle injury on Thursday
While nobody was missing from the Atlanta Falcons’ Thursday practice, several key players were limited participants. Starting quarterback Taylor Heinicke was among those limited for a second consecutive day due to an ankle injury that he suffered during Sunday’s win over the Colts.
Heinicke made his third start of the season in Week 16 and the team was noticeably more balanced on offense. The veteran QB has passed for 727 yards, four touchdowns, one interception and a passer rating of 88.8 this season.
Keep an eye on Heinicke’s status on Friday as he may be given an injury designation if limited for a third straight day.
Falcons Week 17 injury report: Updates from Thursday's practice https://t.co/8psuzKDsAb pic.twitter.com/RliBULAwgH
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) December 28, 2023
Check out the team’s updated depth chart, injury report and 53-man roster heading into Sunday’s NFC matchup against the Chicago Bears (6-9). The Bears are currently favored by three points, per BetMGM’s odds.
Here are some waiver wire options for fantasy this week.
After the 16th full slate of regular season action, every fantasy league is at least in their playoffs, with some in their championships.
If you had a tough injury in Week 16, or you just didn’t get the production from one of your players that you expected, we’ll scan the waiver wire. For potential pickups, we’ll consider players who are available in at least 50% of ESPN fantasy leagues.
Let’s take a look at some of the potential waiver wire pickups that could help your teams heading into Week 17 of the NFL campaign.
LOOK: Week 16 passing chart for Falcons QB Taylor Heinicke, via NFL Next Gen Stats
The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke over the offseason as a backup plan in case Desmond Ridder didn’t work out as the starter. While Ridder had some nice moments, his inconsistency and lack of ball security cost him the starting QB job.
Heinicke made his third start of the season in Week 16 and turned in his best performance of the year. The veteran signal-caller completed nearly 70 percent of his passes for 229 yards, one touchdown and zero turnovers.
As you can see below, many of Heinicke’s completions were at or near the line of scrimmage. However, his ability to hit teammates in stride was the main difference on Sunday. Check out his full Week 16 passing chart, via NFL Next Gen Stats.
The Falcons will look to stay hot when they take on the Chicago Bears in Week 17. Atlanta has gone 2-5 on the road this season, but to make the playoffs, they’ll have to take care of business away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium over the next two weeks.
Twitter reacts to win over Colts
Fan Poll Results: Falcons QB Taylor Heinicke voted Falcons Week 16 Player of the game
The Atlanta Falcons gave quarterback Tyler Heinicke the start in Week 16 and it resulted in the team’s best offensive performance of the season. Sunday’s 29-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts was as dominant as we’ve seen this team play all year.
Heinicke passed for 229 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions. His first-quarter touchdown pass to Kyle Pitts set the tone for the rest of the game.
It’s no surprise that Heinicke was voted player of the game in our Week 16 fan poll. As you can see below, Heinicke led the way with over 50 percent of the vote.
[polldaddy poll=13135342]
#Falcons fans on Twitter had mixed reactions following Sunday’s 29-10 win over the Colts
The Atlanta Falcons continue to surprise each week. After losing to a one-win Carolina Panthers team last Sunday, the Falcons bounced back with a dominant win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16.
The offense excelled under quarterback Taylor Heinicke, the defense came up with six sacks, and Bijan Robinson racked up 122 all-purpose yards. Sunday’s win was a complete team effort, with all three phases executing for all four quarters.
Falcons fans on Twitter had mixed reactions to Sunday’s 29-10 win over the Colts.
